Pauline A. Pytlak

Our mom and grandma Pauline A. Pytlak, at 80 years, went to heaven on Thursday March 22, 2018. She was held tightly in the arms of her children Scot and Lynn as they told her to smell the roses and blow out the candles. Her determination and independence stayed with her until her final breaths.

Pauline was born on October 17, 1937, in Appleton WI, daughter of the late Edwin and Florence Bartman. She is survived by her son Scot Mumford (Dina) and daughter Lynn Rettler (Duane); her six grandchildren: Alyssa Wittig (Dylan and Saige), Jessica Kundinger (Eric), Katie Mumford, Jennifer, Jonathan and Jacob Rettler; her brothers: Richard Bartmann, Fred Bartman (Penny) and Pete Bartman (Judi); her extended family “the Posts”; and many nieces and nephews. Pauline was preceded in death by her sister Sandi Schroedl (Joe).

Pauline was a Navy Veteran, American Legion Commander, wood cutter, splitter and stacker, cat lover, builder, fixer-upper, hard worker, American, joker, quilt maker, advice giver, Slim Whitman fan, volunteer, teacher, bus driver, insurance agent, busy bee, role model, maker of the best homemade macaroni and cheese, free spirit, fire warden, follower of the rules and laws, good heart, spoiler, friend, sister, aunt, mom, and the “Best Grandma” you could ask for!

We invite loved ones, family, and friends to her Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton, WI. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service. We would be pleased to hear a little memory or story while we are gathered to honor Pauline who we were blessed to call Grandma & Mom.

Native American Prayer: I give you this one thought to keep- I am with you still – I do not Sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone – I am with you still – in each new dawn.